SPRINGFIELD – A series of proposals passed through the Illinois Senate today giving the governor spending authority for outstanding budget items not already covered by consent decree. Senator John G. Mulroe (D-Chicago) voted in favor of the intensely negotiated spending package.

“After all this time, we now have an agreed spending package for the remaining portions of the budget,” Mulroe said. “This proposal isn’t perfect, but I am happy that all parties met in the middle to find a solution.”

The omnibus budget proposal contained a 12-month spending plan for K-12 education, capital for IDOT, as well as higher education funding and funds for human services. Two smaller measures passed the Senate as well, giving Chicago autonomy in making decisions about the way its school district funds education and teacher pensions.

Communities in the 10th District would receive $5.4 million in revenues generated by the Motor Fuel Tax, a standard transaction fee benefiting municipalities taken at the gas pump. Typically, the funds pay for road salt, snowplow repair, patching potholes and other road projects and maintenance.

“This can’t be a victory lap,” Mulroe continued. “There is still a lot of work to be done. We should use these negotiations and the lessons of the past couple years as a springboard for next year.”

All the proposals found bipartisan support and passed the General Assembly. The legislation now moves to the governor for his approval.